Surgeons provide 17 free hip, knee replacements
TAMPA – AdventHealth Tampa and AdventHealth Carrollwood partnered with Florida Orthopaedic Institute and Pioneer Medical Foundation to provide 17 free hip and knee replacement surgeries for uninsured Tampa Bay residents through Operation Walk USA.
Surgeries were completed over two days by volunteer orthopedic surgeons and care teams. Eight procedures were performed at AdventHealth Tampa, and nine at AdventHealth Carrollwood. More than 200 AdventHealth team members volunteered across both locations.
Operation Walk USA provides free total hip and knee replacements to eligible uninsured adults and has delivered more than $24.6 million in donated care to over 900 patients nationwide.
On the web: operationwalkusa.org
Recognize the signs of a heart attack
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American College of Emergency Physicians is urging the public to recognize the warning signs of a heart attack and seek immediate medical care.
“Minutes matter when someone’s heart is in trouble,” said L. Anthony Cirillo, president of ACEP. “If something doesn’t feel right, it’s time to seek emergency care right away.”
A heart attack may not always start suddenly with crushing chest pain. Some people experience uncomfortable pressure, tightness or fullness in the left or center of the chest that lasts for longer than a few minutes or goes away and comes back. Pain or discomfort can also spread to the shoulders, neck, jaw, arms or back.
Symptoms may include chest pressure or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, cold sweats and unexplained fatigue. Women may experience different symptoms, including back, neck or jaw pain.
Anyone experiencing symptoms should call 911 rather than drive themselves to the hospital, officials said.
Get answers on Medicare in March
- PETERSBURG – SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas.
Specially trained volunteers can assist with Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.
They’ll answer questions at the following Medicare programs:
- Medicare 101: March 18, 11 a.m. at Pinellas Park Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-369-0669
- Medicare 101: March 18, 1 p.m. at Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1073
- Medicare Basics: March 19, 10:30 a.m. at New River Library, 34043 FL 54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
- Medicare Basics: March 21, 10 a.m. at Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214
- Medicare Basics: March 26, 10:30 a.m. at Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576
SHINE services are free, unbiased and confidential. Counselors do not sell anything. They can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.
Hospital offers breastfeeding support
LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers a free in-person breastfeeding support group and class in March.
Events are open to all, regardless of which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your children. The events will be held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North classrooms, 4211 Van Dyke Road.
- Breastfeeding Support Group: For breastfeeding mothers, their babies and an optional support person. The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. The support group will be held March 19, 10 to 11 a.m.
- Understanding Your Newborn: Provides information to the expectant mother and an optional support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. The class will be held March 19, 1 to 5 p.m.
Register for the free events by visiting BayCareEvents.org and choosing “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scrolling to the group or class you are interested in attending. You can also register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.
